06 Mar 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

6 March 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Have India’s health centres really ‘collapsed’?
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
POLITY
1. Deprivileging bribe
SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Green jobs and the problem of gender disparity
ECONOMY
1. The dynamics of household consumption
2. Why did Google delist some Indian apps from Play Store?
F. Prelims Facts
1. ‘Foreign state actors stashed illicit funds in Paytm bank accounts’
2. Philippine and Chinese vessels collide in disputed South China Sea
3. Transparent yet impenetrable
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

E. Editorials

Category: POLITY

1. Deprivileging bribe

Syllabus: GS-2, Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these

Mains: Recent SC judgment on Parliamentary Privileges  and its implications

Context:

  • The Supreme Court of India, over 25 years ago, made a controversial distinction between ‘bribe-givers’ and ‘bribe-takers’ in the JMM bribery case.
  • This case involved payments made to MPs for voting in favour of the P.V. Narasimha Rao government during a no-confidence motion.

Anomaly in Legal Treatment:

  • The Court’s ruling provided immunity from prosecution to those who received bribes, citing constitutional privilege protecting parliamentary proceedings.
  • However, individuals like Ajit Singh, accused of taking a payoff but absent during the vote, were exceptions and subjected to prosecution.

Correction by the Constitution Bench:

  • Recently, a seven-member Constitution Bench revisited this issue and overturned the previous ruling.
  • The Bench emphasized that parliamentary privilege does not extend to bribery, as it does not pertain to the essential functioning of the legislature.

Clarification of Parliamentary Privilege:

  • Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution, protecting the freedom of speech and independence of legislators, do not shield MPs or State legislators from bribery charges.
  • The ruling underscores that such privileges are meant to facilitate effective participation and debate, not to condone corrupt practices.

Upholding Public Expectation:

  • The verdict aligns with public expectations that elected representatives should not be influenced by monetary inducements in their parliamentary duties.
  • It affirms the principle of probity as a central aspect of parliamentary functioning, ensuring the integrity of democratic processes.

Nut Graf: The Supreme Court’s recent ruling clarifies that parliamentary privilege does not shield MPs from bribery charges, aligning with public expectations of integrity in legislative proceedings.

Category: SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Green jobs and the problem of gender disparity

Syllabus: GS-1, Role of Women and Women’s Organization

Mains: Role of women in Green Economy

Introduction:

  • Transition to low-carbon development in India could generate 35 million green jobs by 2047.
  • Green jobs are defined as those contributing to environmental preservation and restoration.
  • Many sectors with potential green jobs traditionally lack female representation.

Gender Disparity in Green Job Transition:

  • Globally, men are more likely to transition to green jobs faster than women.
  • Despite renewable energy growth, women constituted only 11% of solar rooftop workers.
  • Women are concentrated in industries like apparel, textiles, and food, while men dominate infrastructure and manufacturing.

Challenges Faced by Women:

  • Social norms limit women’s participation in green job training.
  • Factors include perceived unsuitability for technical roles, safety concerns, and familial constraints.
  • Women face barriers in STEM education and workforce representation.

Importance of Empowering Women in Green Jobs:

  • Increasing women’s representation in green jobs can address gender biases in the labour market and boost women’s participation rates.
  • Long-term benefits include enhancing women’s agency and empowerment through economic, technical, and social opportunities.

Strategies for Closing Gender Gaps:

  • Addressing Data Gaps: Collect sex-disaggregated data on green jobs to understand the landscape of women’s work.
  • Supporting Women Entrepreneurs: Implement gender-focused financial policies, provide collateral-free lending, and offer financial literacy training.
  • Empowering Women in STEM: Increase hands-on learning, mentorship, scholarships, and awareness to bridge the gap in STEM participation.
  • Promoting Women in Leadership: Increase women’s representation in leadership positions to incorporate gender-specific needs in low-carbon development strategies.

Conclusion:

  • A gender-just transition requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on employment, social protection, care work reduction, and skill development.
  • Partnerships across sectors are crucial to leverage innovation, technology, and finance for women entrepreneurs and workers.
  • Businesses must prioritize gender justice and equity in the green transition process to ensure inclusive job opportunities for all.

Nut Graf: Despite the potential for 35 million green jobs in India by 2047, gender disparities persist, with women underrepresented in sectors crucial to the transition. Overcoming social norms and structural barriers is vital for empowering women in the green economy.

Category: ECONOMY

1. The dynamics of household consumption

Syllabus: GS-3, Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Mains: Household Consumption Expenditure Survey findings

Introduction to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23:

  • The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) recently released the eagerly anticipated fact sheet of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23.
  • The survey provides detailed insights into how households across India spend on consumable items and collects auxiliary information on household characteristics and demographics.
  • It plays a crucial role in constructing Consumer Price Indices and estimating the headcount ratio of those living below the national poverty line.

Methodology and Innovation in Data Collection:

  • HCES 2022-23 adopted modern, computer-assisted personal interview methods using tablets, enhancing data collection and processing efficiency.
  • A substantial sample size of 2,61,746 households was strategically selected, reflecting the consumption patterns of ‘New India’.
  • The questionnaire was enriched with contemporary items and divided into three parts, facilitating comprehensive coverage of consumption expenditure.

Insights and Trends Revealed:

  • Average Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) in rural and urban India is detailed, with notable increases when considering imputed values of free items.
  • Trends from 1999-2000 to 2022-23 show shifts in expenditure composition, including a decline in the share spent on cereals and an increase in spending on fresh fruits and processed foods.
  • Non-food expenditures, especially on durable goods, have surged, indicating an improved standard of living and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Significance of HCES and Conclusion:

  • The survey, conducted amidst challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases resilience and adaptability.
  • It is a vital resource for research in economics and sociology, contributing to understanding India’s socio-economic landscape.
  • Through innovation in data collection and retention of traditional practices, HCES remains a beacon of reliability and a tool for shaping economic policies in ‘New India’.

Nut Graf: The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23, recently released by the NSSO, offers insights into India’s consumption patterns. Through modernized data collection methods and comprehensive analysis, it highlights shifts in expenditure trends, reflecting the evolving socio-economic landscape of the nation.

2. Why did Google delist some Indian apps from Play Store?

Syllabus: GS-3, Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Mains:  Google monopoly and its implications for Indian App Businesses

Background:

  • Google announced delisting almost a dozen Indian apps from its Play Store on March 1.
  • This action followed years of disputes between Google and Indian companies, involving legal proceedings in courts.
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology intervened, leading to the restoration of the apps, but the underlying issue persists.

Platform Fee Dispute:

  • The core issue revolves around Google’s platform fees, which range from 11% to 30% for in-app purchases of digital services.
  • Google argues that these fees support the maintenance of Google Play and the development of the Android ecosystem.
  • Indian developers, like many worldwide, perceive these fees as exorbitant. Some have contested them in court.

Comparative Analysis:

  • Unlike Apple, which hasn’t faced similar resistance in India due to its lower market penetration, Google dominates the smartphone market through Android.
  • Apple and Google have encountered global pushback against their fees, with notable cases like Spotify’s complaint to the European Commission and Epic Games’ lawsuit.
  • Google allows third-party app stores globally, but Google Play is pre-installed on most Android devices, limiting options for developers.

Regulatory Response:

  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a fine of ₹936.44 crore on Google in 2022 for its Play Store policies.
  • Google is appealing this fine and CCI’s orders regarding in-payment options for developers.
  • A need has been felt for regulatory intervention to foster competition in the app store market, potentially through measures like facilitating alternative app stores and enabling sideloading.

Nut Graf: Google delisted Indian apps due to disputes over high platform fees. This reflects broader global tensions between tech giants and developers. Regulatory intervention is sought to address competition concerns in the app store market.

F. Prelims Facts

1. ‘Foreign state actors stashed illicit funds in Paytm bank accounts’

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has levied a substantial ₹5.49 crore fine on Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) for its involvement in extensive illegal activities. The infractions, orchestrated by a syndicate with ties to a foreign state, encompassed illicit operations such as offering banned gambling services and fraudulent dating platforms.

About: 

  • This transgression came to light following FIRs filed by the Cyber Crime Station of Hyderabad over two years ago, citing violations of Indian laws.
  • The FIU’s investigation revealed a network of businesses associated with PPBL engaging in prohibited activities and funnelling proceeds through the bank’s accounts. 
  • Additionally, PPBL was reprimanded for its failure to implement internal mechanisms for detecting and reporting suspicious transactions in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) guidelines.

Significance: The FIU’s actions underscore the imperative of upholding regulatory compliance in financial operations to mitigate illicit activities and safeguard consumer interests.

2. Philippine and Chinese vessels collide in disputed South China Sea

Context: In the contested waters of the South China Sea, tensions escalated as Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard vessels clashed, resulting in four Filipino crew members sustaining injuries. 

Issue: 

  • The incident unfolded near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships obstructed and collided with Philippine Coast Guard vessels conducting routine operations. 
  • Water cannon blasts from Chinese ships shattered the windshield of a Filipino supply boat, prompting condemnation from Manila and international allies. 
  • Washington, Australia, and Japan expressed concern over China’s aggressive manoeuvres, affirming support for the Philippines and adherence to international law. 
  • The confrontation underscores long-standing territorial disputes in the region, expected to feature prominently in discussions at the upcoming ASEAN summit in Melbourne. 

Significance: The collision highlights the precarious situation in the South China Sea and the need for diplomatic resolutions to mitigate tensions.

3. Transparent yet impenetrable

Context: Bulletproof materials have evolved into sophisticated defenses against ballistic threats. 

Issue: 

  • Bulletproof glass, composed of high-strength ceramics like silicon nitride, steel, and layers of heavy nylon fabric, offers formidable protection. 
  • Upon impact, the ceramic component abruptly halts the bullet, dissipating its energy and destroying initial glass layers while ensnaring it in a coarse mesh.
  • Textile bulletproof vests, crafted from 16-24 layers of tightly woven nylon cloth, provide discreet full-torso protection under regular clothing. 
  • Vests with 16 layers effectively stop handgun and submachine-gun bullets, while those with 24 layers offer resilience against more powerful magnum bullets from the same firearms.

Significance: These advancements underscore the relentless pursuit of security solutions, ensuring safety in environments where threats persist. As technology advances, the quest for even more effective protective materials continues, reshaping the landscape of personal and structural defense mechanisms.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the resignation of the High Court Judge:
  1. The High Court judge should submit a resignation letter to the governor of the respective state.
  2. The Indian Constitution explicitly provides a detailed procedure for the resignation of a high court judge.

Which of the above statements are correct?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding "Parliamentary privileges":
  1. Parliamentary privileges are fundamental to a functioning democracy, allowing MPs to express themselves freely on legislative matters without fear of civil or criminal prosecution.
  2. Parliamentary privileges are codified in Article 105(2) of the Indian Constitution.
  3. Parliamentary privileges are absolute and extend to all actions of Members of Parliament, irrespective of their nature.

Which of the options is correct?

  1. Statement 1
  2. Statement 2
  3. Statements 1 and 2
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Methane Gas:
  1. Methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
  2. Methane is a high global warming potential gas – more effective in trapping heat than carbon dioxide.

Which of the above statements are correct?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Q4. Consider the following statements:
  1. Dry ice is composed of frozen nitrogen.
  2. Dry ice sublimates, meaning it skips the liquid phase and transforms directly into gas.
  3. Dry ice is used as a refrigerant due to its ability to maintain very cold temperatures.

Which of the options are correct?

  1. Statement 1
  2. Statement 2
  3. Statements 2 and 3
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Q5. Consider the following heavy industries:
  1. Fertilizer plants
  2. Oil refineries
  3. Steel plants

Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Click on the link for the video explanation of the above questions and answers.

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